Protein, vitamin D, and calcium are especially beneficial nutrients after spinal fusion. Putting undue stress on a bone that needs healing often exacerbates an injury. All of these problems can lead to new or reoccurring back pain and neurological symptoms. You still need to avoid bending, twisting, and lifting, but should be able to resume cardio and stretching your stiff muscles. What to expect after spinal fusion surgery? Depending on the type of procedure or back surgery you've had, you should expect to spend from one to several days in the hospital following your procedure. Try one of our free patient diagnostic tools. Spinal fusion - Mayo Clinic Recovery from spinal fusion of L4/L5 and laminectomy, which Read on to learn more. Recovery Guide - What to Expect 6 Months after Spinal Fusion This could be a sign of a complication, such as an infection. Three Level Lumbar Spine Fusion | Mayo Clinic Connect Spinal fusion can cause paralysis, but its one of the rarest possible complications. For example, avoid lifting heavy objects if possible. We avoid using tertiary references. During this time, its important to keep moving and to follow instructions from your physical therapist and your surgeon. Lumbar spinal stenosis (adult). One of the problems after surgery can be excessive inflammatory healing after the operation and the subsequent development of fibrotic tissue in the epidural space, often enveloping the most recently decompressed spinal nerve roots. Oct. 4, 2022. and our expert team at Spine Group Beverly Hills perform minimally invasive spinal fusions at our offices in Beverley Hills and Santa Monica, California. Spinal fusion. Ask a friend or family member to drive you home, and limit car rides to protect your spine from accidental twisting. Bonnie explains why TOPS surgery was the right decision for her. Youll be asked to avoid: Physical therapy sessions are very important during this stage of the healing process. The bone is normally taken from the patient's own pelvis, so a smaller operation is done there. We will be in touch with you shortly. Most kids can return to school three to four weeks after spinal fusion surgery. Complete recovery from spinal fusion surgery usually takes up to 8 months, with the bone continuing to evolve for 12 to 18 months. And, if youre wondering What happens if I bend after spinal fusion surgery?, it's important to follow all medical advice during the recovery process to ensure that we heal as quickly and completely as possible. After 3 months of rest, exercise is now the primary focus of your healing and recovery process. Complications Following Spinal Fusion. However, spinal fusion, like any surgery comes with some risks. Your surgeon will make an incision in the middle of your lower back. Contact and high risk sports shouldnt be resumed for at least 3 months. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Log in, The opinions expressed above are 100% my own. However, there are a few simple exercises you can take on at home that are part of nearly all spinal fusion recovery programs. In this blog, Dr. Regan highlights what to expect immediately after surgery and in the weeks and months following your spinal fusion. For a laminectomy you may be discharged the same day or kept overnight. A laminectomy is a common but fairly extensive surgery. Lumbar microlaminectomy vs. traditional laminectomy. All rights reserved. In fact, loading up your plate with nutrient-dense foods can help your body recover. Between six months and one-year post-op, patients can typically start returning to all of their normal activities, including some bending and twisting. These 10 quadratus lumborum stretches will help to stabilize your spine and support you lower back for increased strength and mobility. Older patients or those with lower fitness levels can take up to 46 months to. From walking and dancing to bathing and just putting on a pair of pants, the healthier our back is, the easier it is to go about our business as usual. Think your old mattress may be causing some back pain? Avoid ibuprofen, aspirin, or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for 3 to 6 months after spinal surgery. Norwalk, CT 06851 After you go home, contact your doctor if you exhibit signs of infection, such as: It may take several months for the affected bones in your spine to heal and fuse together. The next portion of your recovery process is when the fused sections of your spine begin to grow together. Once theyre finished, theyll close the wounds with stitches. After the procedure you will typically stay in the hospital for 2 to 3 days depending on the area and type of spinal surgery performed. Ignore that temptation, even if you feel like your body is recovering more quickly than the timeline your physician gave you. This can depend, however, on whether you underwent a bone fusion. The 3 months of rest after your surgery are essential, but they result in a loss of muscle tone, muscle strength, and range of motion. Medications can help manage this pain for many people. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/spinal-fusion. High-risk patients typically remain in the hospital for a few days more. What to expect with lumbar laminectomy procedure. Spinal Fusion Recovery: What You Need To Know - Neurosurgery One If you sustained nerve damage before or during the surgery, the timeline can extend to 2 full years of healing time. Fusion permanently removes all motion at the fused vertebrae, which can alter how the rest of the spine bears weight. But study results are mixed when the cause of the back or neck pain is unclear. The first 3 months of spinal fusion recovery are focused on rest and building strength. Your Guide to the Spinal Fusion Recovery Process (2023) In a 2021 study, researchers found that 73% of 2,699 people who underwent lumbar decompression surgery experienced clinically significant symptom improvements within 2 years. What to Expect After Back Surgery: Recovery Timeline In general, if pain relief is experienced in the three months after surgery, the relief will likely continue. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. After a lumbar spinal fusion has had 3 months of healing, it is time for physical activity and exercise to become a central component of the recovery process. Spinal fusion is a procedure that permanently joins two vertebrae into one solid bone. Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that links bones in the spinal column together to treat back problems such as herniated disks, fractures, or scoliosis. Reisener MJ, et al. PDF The Road To Recovery - Johns Hopkins Medicine The lamina is the part of your vertebra that connects the body to the spiny part you can feel along your neck and back. (C), F.A.C.S., Assistant Professor of Clinical Neurosurgery, Diplomate American Board of Neurosurgery, Fellowship in Spine Surgery. have significantly improved over the years, a patient's recovery still depends on their own diligence and dedication, so following the Dos and Don'ts of. Back support belts are used to reduce the risk of back injury and relieve pain in the short term. Talk to them about how you should diminish your daily dose, as it is difficult to renew opioid prescriptions. Spinal fusion is a common form of back surgery used to treat several kinds of back problems, including scoliosis, vertebral weakness, and herniated discs. Hi Jennifer, I'm scheduled for a L4/L5 Spinal Fusion with Laminectomy on Friday 09/04/2010. In a 2017 study, researchers found that microlaminectomy was associated with shorter hospital stays and reduced costs in a small group of people. Hardware including rods, pedicle screws, cages, and spacers may be used for stability in lumbar spinal fusion. You can add more advanced exercises under the supervision of your physical therapist and surgeon. Read on to learn more about this surgery and how it can help. Get Veritas Health Newsletters delivered to your inbox. They teach you modified ways to do the following: At this stage, any bending or twisting of the spine can disrupt the healing process. Read on to learn the warning signs of disc herniation and what we can do to help you find relief. Avoid long car rides and strenuous activities until Dr. Regan gives you the green light. If only part of the lamina is removed, its called a laminotomy. Once you recover, you should be in much less pain than before spinal fusion. Fact_Sheet_Failed_Back_Surgery_Syndrome - Neuromodulation Metal plates, screws or rods might hold the bones together. You may have less invasive treatment options available. What Happens if I Bend After Spinal Fusion Surgery? | TSC What Is Foot Arthritis and How Can You Treat It? To learn more about spinal fusions, schedule an appointment at our Beverly Hills or Santa Monica, California office today. Who should get lumbar laminectomy surgery? Learn More About Minimally Invasive Fusion Surgery at Spine Center Atlanta Anterior Lumbar Spinal Fusion is the placement of a cage and possibly a plate with screws to steady the spine. Call us today to schedule a virtual visit, What to Expect After Spinal Fusion Surgery. What to expect 4 months after spinal fusion? Pain is considered chronic if its significant, continuous, and lasts for over 12 weeks. Any specific questions or concerns relating to what you/your child may do should be discussed with your doctor. A surgeon will get to the spine through the front (anterior), taking out the disc in question, and using a bone graft to stabilize the area. If you have back problems that are interfering with your daily life. What to Expect After Spinal Fusion Surgery - New York City Spine (consult with your surgeon to determine an exact timeline). This surgery is meant to improve your quality of life and relieve your pain. Surprisingly, what you eat or dont eat can also make your back pain worse. McGraw-Hill; 2019. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Post-op isnt the time to diet. If you or your child were just diagnosed with scoliosis, a common question is whether a back brace is necessary to correct scoliosis. Cervical Spinal Stenosis Surgery Recovery: What To Expect Not only that, but eating fiber-rich foods and drinking plenty of water can also help you avoid post-op constipation. You will be in the hospital approximately 3 days. Additionally, inflammation in the tissues surrounding spinal nerves can cause nerve damage after fusion. 382 0 obj <>stream Spinal fusion can help restore pain-free function in a deformed, damaged or diseased spine. While methods for spine surgery have significantly improved over the years, a patient's recovery still depends on their own diligence and dedication, so following the Dos and Don'ts of spinal fusion recovery is a must. See Rehabilitation and Exercise for a Healthy Back. Spinal fusion surgery connects two or more vertebrae of your spine together. Known as adjacent segment disease, or ASD, this potential complication of spinal fusion occurs when the fused segments increase the strain on the surrounding segments. Physical therapy can help you start rebuilding your strength. Mayo Clinic; 2021. Six months after spinal fusion, you can expect to start the final stages of the recovery process. You should walk every day to assist with healing and build up your strength.